Inside the Ed Paschke Art Center (WTTW News)

Chicago art institutions are closed indefinitely, so we’re opening them — virtually. First up in our series of virtual tours: an art center dedicated to one of Chicago’s most celebrated artists, Ed Paschke.

When asked to describe the late artist Ed Paschke, Vesna Stelcer, the director at the Jefferson Park art center that bears his name, chooses one word: timeless.

We get a preview of rarely seen artwork by Ed Paschke from his family's personal collection.

It was his 75th birthday. Hundreds attended a VIP event featuring music, belly dancers, and speakers honoring his life’s work, and the public opening of the Ed Paschke Art Center in Jefferson Park drew thousands from the neighborhood. Ed Paschke was celebrated in style. We revisit our story about the opening of the northwest side art center.

Chicago native Ed Paschke’s neon and surreal paintings, which have been displayed publicly and privately around the world, made their debut on the city’s northwest side.

A decade ago, Paschke died at the age of 65 a day after he gave an interview to Artbeat Chicago.

It was his 75th birthday. Hundreds attended a VIP event featuring music, belly dancers, and speakers honoring Ed Paschke's life’s work. The public opening of the Ed Paschke Art Center in Jefferson Park drew thousands from the neighborhood. Ed Paschke was celebrated in style. The only thing was, he wasn’t there. Paschke died suddenly about a decade earlier. 

The Chicago art scene of the 1960s was wildly imaginative. We talk to the director of a new film that gives the most complete look yet at the many artists who became known as the Imagists.